What comes after Somalia’s entry into the EAC regional bloc? : Analysis

Somalia Joins East African Community After Years of Lobbying

After more than a decade of lobbying efforts, Somalia has been granted membership into the East African Community (EAC). The Somali Federal Parliament is expected to ratify the membership, which will make it official. The application process, initiated by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in 2011, has been challenging, with some member states showing hesitation to include Somalia. However, this year, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed a special envoy to expedite the admission process, which led to Somalia’s acceptance into the EAC.

President Mohamud expressed his belief that Somalia’s membership will bring benefits to both Somalia and the EAC member states of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Critics of the decision argue that Somalia’s admission could pose security challenges for the EAC due to its history of conflicts. However, experts argue that Somalia has made significant progress in combating al-Shabab and point out security challenges faced by other EAC members, such as the DRC and South Sudan.

The EAC was established in 2000 and aims to foster economic growth by eliminating customs duties among member states. Somalia’s primary economic activities, livestock, and agriculture, have been greatly impacted by climate change. However, the country is believed to have potential offshore resources such as oil and gas. Since its government collapsed in 1991, Somalia’s trade volume with its neighbors has significantly decreased. Nevertheless, analysts suggest that Somalia, with its long coastline and diaspora population, is well-suited for economic integration with its neighbors.

While some Somalis view the integration positively, others feel that it is premature. Abdirahman Abdishakur, the presidential envoy for humanitarian coordination, argues that Somalia does not bring significant goods, services, or economic ideology to the table and suggests that joining the bloc may be more beneficial in the future.

The Heritage Institute, a Mogadishu-based think tank, released a report warning that Somalia’s poor track record on governance, human rights, rule of law, and socioeconomics could pose challenges to implementing the treaty within the required timeframe. The absence of an independent judiciary may hinder Somalia’s participation in the bloc’s binding resolutions. The institute suggests that Somalia create a comprehensive risk minimization plan and secure a prolonged period of treaty implementation.

In recent years, Somalia has experienced strained relations with its autonomous region of Somaliland and a diplomatic rift with Kenya over a maritime dispute. However, the EAC membership could provide a platform for resolving future disputes.

The admission of Somalia into the EAC is expected to bolster efforts to combat al-Shabab and enhance regional stability. Analysts believe that if al-Shabab is successfully eliminated, Somalia’s membership in the EAC could benefit both the country and the region.

Analysis:

The article provides information about Somalia’s admission into the East African Community (EAC) after years of lobbying efforts. It mentions the initiation of the application process by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in 2011 and the appointment of a special envoy by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to accelerate the admission process.

The sources cited in the article include Al Jazeera, a prominent news outlet, and the Heritage Institute, identified as a Mogadishu-based think tank. While these sources are generally credible, it’s important to acknowledge that biases and potential misinformation can exist in any news reporting. Validation from multiple sources is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the information presented.

The article presents a balanced view by including opinions from both supporters and critics of Somalia’s admission into the EAC. It highlights the potential benefits of membership, such as economic integration and increased regional stability, as well as concerns regarding security challenges and Somalia’s governance and socio-economic issues.

The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news may impact public perception of the information presented in the article. Political biases and misinformation can influence how people interpret and understand the significance of Somalia’s admission into the EAC. Critical analysis and fact-checking are necessary to separate accurate information from potential misinformation and to develop a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: Somalia has joined the EAC regional bloc. What happens next?